Definition and Examples of Literary Terms

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Motif

Motif Definition

Motif is an object or idea that repeats itself throughout a literary work.

Motif and Theme

In a literary work, a motif can be seen as an image, sound, action or other figures that have a symbolic significance and contributes toward the development of theme. Motif and theme are linked in a literary work but there is a difference between them. In a literary piece, a motif is a recurrent image, idea or a symbol that develops or explains a theme while a theme is a central idea or message.

Motif and Symbol

Sometimes, examples of motif are mistakenly identified as examples of symbols. Symbols are images, ideas, sounds or words that represent something else and help to understand an idea or a thing. Motifs, on the other hand, are images, ideas, sounds or words that help to explain the central idea of a literary work i.e. theme. Moreover, a symbol may appear once or twice in a literary work, whereas a motif is a recurring element.

Themes, Motifs and Symbols in Dickens’ A Tale of Two Cities

Let us try to understand the difference between theme, motif and symbol by analyzing a literary work. In Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities”, the main plot revolves around a few basic themes: the ever-present possibility of resurrection and the necessity of sacrifice to bring about a revolution. One of the motif examples in the novel that develops the above mentioned themes is the presence of Doubles: the action takes place in two cities; we find two opposed doubles in the form of female characters i.e. Lucie and Madame Defarge. We also see recurrent images of darkness in the narrative adding to the gloomy atmosphere. Another motif is of imprisonment as each and every character struggles against some kind of imprisonment. Finally, there are plenty of symbols in the narrative as well, like the broken wine cask is a symbol of people’s hunger; Madame Defarge knitting is a symbol of revenge and Marquis is a character that stands for social disorder.

Motif Examples in Literature

Let us search for motifs in various well known literary works:

Example #1

In Shakespeare’s Hamlet, we find a recurring motif of incest accompanied by incestuous desires of some characters. Laertes speaks to his sister Ophelia in a way that is sexually explicit. Hamlet shows obsession for Gertrude’s sexual life with Claudius has an underlying tone of an incestuous desire. Besides, there is a motif of hatred for women that Hamlet experiences in his relationship with Gertrude and Ophelia. Hamlet expresses his disgust for women in Scene 2 of Act I:

“Frailty, thy name is woman”

Example #2

In Mark Twain’s “The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn”, we see several motifs that support the central idea of the narrative. The motif of childhood gives the novel a lighter tone and makes it enjoyable to read despite its grave central idea i.e. slavery and racism. Both Huck and Tom are young and flexible enough to undergo a moral education and thus are more open-minded than adults. Another obvious motif in the narrative is superstitions. Jim appears silly to believe in all sorts of signs and omens but interestingly predicts the coming event.

Example #3

Joseph Conrad’s “Heart of Darkness” has a motif of observation and eavesdropping. Marlow, the protagonist, gets information about the world either by observing his surroundings or listening to the conversation of others. Similarly, there is another evident motif of a comparison between the exterior and the interior. Initially, Marlow is a person who keenly observes things and people from the surface but as he continues his journey into the heart of darkness, he gains an insight into his deeper nature as well as that of others.

Example #4

The central idea of the co-existence of good and evil in Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mocking Bird” is supported by several motifs. Lee strengthens the atmosphere by a motif of Gothic details i.e. recurrent images of gloomy and haunted settings, supernatural events, full moon etc. Another motif in the narrative is the small town life of Maycomb, which depicts goodness and pleasantness in life.

Function of Motif

Along with presenting a prevailing theme, writers include several motifs in their literary works as reinforcements. Motifs contribute in developing the major theme of a literary work and help readers to comprehend the underlying messages that writers intend to communicate to them.

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1 comment for “Motif”

Only in my old age am I beginning to see why I have had so much problem with creating good compositions. My writing has been murky and without good format because the difference between all of the forms I needed to relate everything in a precise manner. This page has helped me see and understand.